Spicy Beef Ramen Stir-Fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender beef, stir-fried vegetables, and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of heat, umami, and texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Packed with flavor – A bold combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients based on preference.
- Affordable and accessible – Uses simple ingredients that are budget-friendly and easy to find.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores well and can be reheated for a delicious meal later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ramen noodles
- Thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin)
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha or chili paste
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Carrots, julienned
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, marinate the sliced beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a portion of the sriracha. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed and stir-fry the bell peppers and carrots until slightly tender.
- Return the cooked beef to the pan and add the cooked ramen noodles. Drizzle with sesame oil and additional soy sauce.
- Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes, ensuring the sauce coats the noodles and beef evenly.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein swap – Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef for a different take on the dish.
- Vegetable additions – Add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Different spice levels – Adjust the amount of sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Sweet and spicy twist – Add a bit of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Microwave reheating is also an option, but stir halfway through for even heating.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the noodles.
FAQs
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or chili paste and increase the soy sauce or a touch of honey to balance the heat.
Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Yes, just discard the seasoning packet and use the plain noodles.
What’s the best cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great options due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth (if needed).
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Cook the noodles just until al dente and rinse them under cold water before stir-frying to stop the cooking process.
What other sauces can I use?
Try hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar for added depth of flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to store the components separately and combine them when reheating for the best texture.
What oil should I use for stir-frying?
Use a high-heat oil such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil.
How do I slice beef thinly for stir-fry?
Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing—it makes it easier to cut into thin, even pieces.
What side dishes go well with this stir-fry?
A simple side of steamed bok choy, miso soup, or an Asian-style cucumber salad complements this dish well.
Conclusion
Spicy Beef Ramen Stir-Fry is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that combines bold flavors with easy preparation. Whether you’re looking for a spicy dinner option or a versatile dish to customize, this stir-fry is a great choice. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home
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Description
This Spicy Beef Ramen Stir-Fry combines tender ground beef, chewy ramen noodles, and a savory-spicy sauce for the ultimate quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 packs instant ramen (discard seasoning)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, slice
Instructions
- Cook ramen according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan. Cook ground beef until browned. Add garlic, ginger, and bell pepper.
- Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Toss with ramen noodles.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Swap beef with chicken or tofu for variation.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha.